Your Ultra-Training Bag Of Tricks: Become A Student Of The Sport

Ultrarunning attracts a diverse group of individuals whose training philosophies are equally distinct. There are those who adhere to strict training plans and those who ‘run by feel,’ selecting their running route and effort level literally on the run. Some runners wear GPS watches to record all kinds of data while others prefer to run without a watch. Whether our training is more regimented or more spontaneous, we all have running goals we are working to achieve. They can be as specific as wanting to win a race or as laid back as simply staying fit to enjoy time on the trails.

No matter the goal, we still share common predicaments. How far or hard should I be running? Am I injured and what do I do if I am? What kind of footwear or hydration system is best for me? What should I eat and when? Sometimes the answer is clear, however, there are many instances where it is not. In order to find the solutions we must become a student of our sport. Here’s how:

Get a Coach
It can be tough to share our training log or methodology with someone else, but working with a coach can be a worthy eye-opening experience. An impartial third party can help to better arrange your training schedule, suggest workouts that can strengthen weaknesses, propose strategies to capitalize on talents, and provide insight on nutrition, strength training, injury prevention, and goal setting. A good coach will weave your new training around your personal and professional commitments. Cost can be an issue, but even if you commit for only a few months it can be the best way to quickly identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Finding the right coach for you isn’t difficult nowadays. Search the Internet for reviews, peruse different coaches’ websites, or talk to others who already work with a coach. Once you find someone you think will be a good match, talk over email or by phone to determine if his or her attitude and training philosophy match your style.

Spend Time with a Mentor
A coach can certainly be a mentor, but let’s not forget about those ultra veterans. They are chock full of priceless ultra race course beta, training information, nutrition and hydration knowledge, and injury remedies. Most importantly they provide us with plain old inspiration. They’ve seen and done it all, so pick their brains over coffee, beer, or on a trail run.

Ultra legend David Horton took me under his wing and convinced me not to drop at the 50-mile mark of my first 100, the 1995 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run. With the wisdom of a person who has experienced and conquered the low points of an ultra countless times, he suggested I regroup, refuel, and move forward one aid station at a time. I did what he told me, and I have him to thank for my finish.

Take a Class
Taking a class can provide a deeper understanding of specific topics. Courses on distance-running physiology, sports psychology, nutrition, altitude training, and strength and conditioning are offered by:

You can also learn a lot by attending running camps or even by showing up for your local specialty running store clinics.

Build a Library
There’s nothing like holding the knowledge in your own hands. Start your own collection of information and resources. As questions arise or you find yourself drifting without direction with your running, go to your library or local bookstore for clarity. Here’s a sampling of the texts on my bookshelves and nightstand that I reference most frequently:

Remember that no single person or resource will ever have all the answers, especially as our sport continues to grow and evolve. However, no matter how big or small your goals may be, you can make informed decisions by consulting an array of sources, like those mentioned above.

Call for Comments (from Meghan)

Are you a student of the sport? If so, what people, coaches, books, magazines, and more have you called upon to increase your knowledge of trail and ultrarunning?

Ian Torrence has completed 163 ultras, with 50 wins. Ian works as an online coach at McMillan Running. Information about his ultramarathon coaching services can be found at McMillanrunning.com. You can also catch up with Ian at his blog.

Great stuff Ian. I am definitely a student of the sport. I try to read and follow everything I can get my hands on. I wish coaching was not so expensive, but like you said maybe few months would be worth it.

All great stuff. I would add that the place where I learned the most about running ultra distances was pacing and crewing. You get an opportunity to watch others struggle and overcome adversity, you learn new tricks, you can pick people's brains, it's a FREE 50 miler and most of all, you get to give back to the running community.

I think I am still a student of the sport. The number of publications about ultramarathons or trail running has increased over the years to where now there is a genuine choice and an abundance of recipe books–perhaps too many of them as books are treated as gospel before the runner has enough experience to understand the lessons. I think the conversations around campfires or at breakfast/dinner tables and the conversations during long runs were the greatest sources of information exchanges. http://www.rungentlyoutthere.com